Hercules HE41 Owner's manual

Variable Speed Oscillating Multi-Tool

Model

HE41

Blade not

included

WARNING: To prevent serious injury, User must read and

understand Owner’s Manual. SAVE THIS MANUAL.

When unpacking, make sure that the product is intact and

undamaged. If any parts are missing or broken, please call

1-888-866-5797 as soon as possible. Reference

59510.

Owner’s Manual &

Safety Instructions

Page 2 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 59510

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

GENERAL POWER TOOL SAFETY WARNINGS

Read all safety warnings and all instructions.

Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may

result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury. Save

all warnings and instructions for future reference.





Work Area Safety

1. Keep work area clean and well lit.

Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.

2. Do not operate power tools in explosive

atmospheres, such as in the presence of

flammable liquids, gases or dust. Power tools



3. Keep children and bystanders

away while operating a power tool.

Distractions can cause you to lose control.

Electrical Safety

1. Power tool plugs must match the outlet.

Never modify the plug in any way.

Do not use any adapter plugs with earthed

(grounded) power tools.

matching outlets will reduce risk of electric shock.

2. Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded

surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges and

refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric

shock if your body is earthed or grounded.

3. Do not expose power tools to rain or wet

conditions.

will increase the risk of electric shock.

4. Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for

carrying, pulling or unplugging the power tool.

Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges

or moving parts. Damaged or entangled

cords increase the risk of electric shock.

5. When operating a power tool outdoors,

use an extension cord suitable for

outdoor use. Use of a cord suitable for outdoor

use reduces the risk of electric shock.

6. If operating a power tool in a damp location

is unavoidable, use a Ground Fault Circuit

Interrupter (GFCI) protected supply.

Use of a GFCI reduces the risk of electric shock.

Personal Safety

1. Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use

common sense when operating a power tool. Do

not use a power tool while you are tired or under

the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication.





2. Use personal protective equipment. Always

wear eye protection. 

such as dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard





3. Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch/

trigger is in the off-position before connecting

to power source and/or battery pack, picking

up or carrying the tool.



tools that have the switch on invites accidents.

4. Remove any adjusting key or wrench

before turning the power tool on.





5. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and

balance at all times. This enables better control



6. Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or

jewelry. Keep your hair, clothing and gloves

away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry



7. If devices are provided for the connection of

dust extraction and collection facilities, ensure

these are connected and properly used. Use of

dust collection can reduce dust-related hazards.

8. Do not let familiarity gained from frequent use

of tools allow you to become complacent and

ignore tool safety principles. A careless action

can cause severe injury within a fraction of a second.

9. Only use safety equipment that has been

approved by an appropriate standards agency.











10. Avoid unintentional starting.

Prepare to begin work before turning on the tool.

11. Do not lay the tool down until it has come to

a complete stop. Moving parts can grab the

surface and pull the tool out of your control.

Page 3For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 59510

12. When using a handheld power tool,

maintain a firm grip on the tool with both

hands to resist starting torque.

13. Do not leave the tool unattended when it is plugged

into an electrical outlet. Turn off the tool, and

unplug it from its electrical outlet before leaving.

14. This product is not a toy.

Keep it out of reach of children.

15. People with pacemakers should consult their

physician(s) before use. Electromagnetic fields in

close proximity to heart pacemaker could cause

pacemaker interference or pacemaker failure.

In addition, people with pacemakers should:

• Avoid operating alone.

• Do not use with Switch locked on.

• Properly maintain and inspect to avoid

electrical shock.

• Properly ground power cord.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)

should also be implemented – it prevents

sustained electrical shock.

16. The warnings, precautions, and instructions

discussed in this instruction manual cannot

cover all possible conditions and situations

that may occur. It must be understood by the

operator that common sense and caution are

factors which cannot be built into this product,

but must be supplied by the operator.

Power Tool Use and Care

1. Do not force the power tool. Use the

correct power tool for your application.



safer at the rate for which it was designed.

2. Do not use the power tool if the Switch

does not turn it on and off. 

that cannot be controlled with the Switch



3. Disconnect the plug from the power source and/

or remove the battery pack, if detachable, from

the power tool before making any adjustments,

changing accessories, or storing power

tools. 



4. Store idle power tools out of the reach of

children and do not allow persons unfamiliar

with the power tool or these instructions

to operate the power tool. Power tools are

dangerous in the hands of untrained users.

5. Maintain power tools and accessories. Check

for misalignment or binding of moving

parts, breakage of parts and any other

condition that may affect the power tool’s

operation. If damaged, have the power tool

repaired before use. Many accidents are



6. Keep cutting tools sharp and clean.



are less likely to bind and are easier to control.

7. Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits

etc. in accordance with these instructions,

taking into account the working conditions

and the work to be performed. Use of the



intended could result in a hazardous situation.

8. Keep handles and grasping surfaces dry, clean

and free from oil and grease. 





Service

1. Have your power tool serviced by a

qualified repair person using only identical

replacement parts. This will ensure that the



2. Maintain labels and nameplates on the tool.

These carry important safety information.

If unreadable or missing, contact

Harbor Freight Tools for a replacement.

Specific Safety Warnings

Hold the power tool by insulated gripping surfaces,

because the sanding surface may contact

its own cord. Cutting a “live” wire may make

exposed metal parts of the power tool “live” and

could give the operator an electric shock.

Vibration Safety

This tool vibrates during use. Repeated or long-term

exposure to vibration may cause temporary or permanent

physical injury, particularly to the hands, arms and

shoulders. To reduce the risk of vibration-related injury:

1. Anyone using vibrating tools regularly or for an

extended period should first be examined by a

doctor and then have regular medical check-ups

to ensure medical problems are not being caused

or worsened from use. Pregnant women or

people who have impaired blood circulation to

the hand, past hand injuries, nervous system

disorders, diabetes, or Raynaud’s Disease should

not use this tool. If you feel any medical or

physical symptoms related to vibration (such as

tingling, numbness, and white or blue fingers),

seek medical advice as soon as possible.

2. Do not smoke during use. Nicotine reduces

the blood supply to the hands and fingers,

increasing the risk of vibration-related injury.

3. Wear suitable gloves to reduce the

vibration effects on the user.

4. Use tools with the lowest vibration when there

is a choice between different processes.

5. Include vibration-free periods each day of work.

Page 4 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 59510

6. Grip tool as lightly as possible (while still keeping

safe control of it). Let the tool do the work.

7. To reduce vibration, maintain the tool as

explained in this manual. If any abnormal

vibration occurs, stop use immediately.

SAVE THESE

INSTRUCTIONS.

GROUNDING

TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK AND

DEATH FROM INCORRECT GROUNDING:

Check with a qualified electrician if you

are in doubt as to whether the outlet is

properly grounded. Do not modify the power cord

plug provided with the tool. Never remove the

grounding prong from the plug. Do not use the tool

if the power cord or plug is damaged. If damaged,

have it repaired by a service facility before use. If

the plug will not fit the outlet, have a proper outlet

installed by a qualified electrician.

Double Insulated Tools: Tools

with Two Prong Plugs

Outlets for 2-Prong Plug

1. Tools marked “Double Insulated” do not

require grounding. They have a special

double insulation system which satisfies OSHA

requirements and complies with the applicable

standards of Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.,

the Canadian Standard Association,

and the National Electrical Code.

2. Double insulated tools may be used in either of the

120 volt outlets shown in the preceding illustration.

(See Outlets for 2-Prong Plug.)

Extension Cords

1. Grounded tools require a three wire extension cord.

Double Insulated tools can use either

a two or three wire extension cord.

2. As the distance from the supply outlet increases,

you must use a heavier gauge extension cord.

Using extension cords with inadequately sized wire

causes a serious drop in voltage, resulting in loss of

power and possible tool damage. (See Table A.)

3. The smaller the gauge number of the wire, the

greater the capacity of the cord. For example,

a 14 gauge cord can carry a higher current

than a 16 gauge cord. (See Table A.)

4. When using more than one extension cord to make

up the total length, make sure each cord contains at

least the minimum wire size required. (See Table A.)

5. If you are using one extension cord for more

than one tool, add the nameplate amperes

and use the sum to determine the required

minimum cord size. (See Table A.)

6. If you are using an extension cord outdoors, make

sure it is marked with the suffix “W-A” (“W” in

Canada) to indicate it is acceptable for outdoor use.

7. Make sure the extension cord is properly wired

and in good electrical condition. Always replace

a damaged extension cord or have it repaired

by a qualified electrician before using it.

8. Protect the extension cords from sharp objects,

excessive heat, and damp or wet areas.

TABLE A: RECOMMENDED MINIMUM WIRE

GAUGE FOR EXTENSION CORDS* (120/240 VOLT)

NAMEPLATE

AMPERES

(at full load)

EXTENSION CORD

LENGTH

25´ 50´ 75´ 100´ 150´

0 – 2.0 18 18 18 18 16

2.1 – 3.4 18 18 18 16 14

3.5 – 5.0 18 18 16 14 12

5.1 – 7.0 18 16 14 12 12

7.1 – 12.0 18 14 12 10 -

12.1 – 16.0 14 12 10 - -

16.1 – 20.0 12 10 - - -

* Based on limiting the line voltage drop to five volts at

150% of the rated amperes.

Page 5For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 59510

Symbology

Double Insulated

VVolts

~Alternating Current

AAmperes

n0 xxxx/min. No Load Revolutions per Minute (RPM)

WARNING marking concerning Risk

of Eye Injury. Wear ANSI-approved

safety goggles with side shields.

Read the manual before

set-up and/or use.

WARNING marking concerning

Risk of Hearing Loss.

Wear hearing protection.

WARNING marking

concerning Risk of Fire.

Do not cover ventilation ducts.

Keep flammable objects away.

WARNING marking concerning

Risk of Electric Shock.

Properly connect power cord

to appropriate outlet.

Warning Symbols and Definitions

This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to

alert you to potential personal injury hazards.

Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to

avoid possible injury or death.

Indicates a hazardous

situation which, if not

avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

Indicates a hazardous

situation which, if not

avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

Indicates a hazardous

situation which, if not

avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.

Addresses practices not

related to personal injury.

Specifications

Electrical Rating 120 VAC / 60 Hz / 3.5 A

No Load Speed n0:11,000-20,000/min

Functional Description

1. LED Worklight

2. Release Lever

3. Power Switch

4. Speed Dial

Workpiece and Work Area Set Up

1. Designate a work area that is clean and well-lit.

The work area must not allow access by children

or pets to prevent distraction and injury.

2. Route the power cord along a safe route

to reach the work area without creating a

tripping hazard or exposing the power cord to

possible damage. The power cord must

reach the work area with enough extra length

to allow free movement while working.

3. Secure loose workpieces using a vise or clamps

(not included) to prevent movement while working.

4. There must not be hazardous objects, such

as utility lines or foreign objects, nearby that

will present a hazard while working.

5. You must use personal safety equipment including,

but not limited to, ANSI-approved eye and hearing

protection, as well as heavy-duty work gloves.

Page 6 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 59510

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT

SAFETY INFORMATION section at the

beginning of this manual including

all text under subheadings therein

before set up or use of this product.

Accessory Installation

TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM

ACCIDENTAL OPERATION:

Make sure that the Switch is in the OFF position and

unplug the tool from its electrical outlet before

performing any procedure in this section.

1. Move the Release Lever forward to the

open position and remove the Flange.

Flange

Release

Lever

2. Install the desired accessory (sold separately),

by lining up accessory’s mounting holes

with the Spindle’s fitting pins.

3. Replace the Flange, tightening snugly.

Note: Most accessories may be installed at angles up

to 90° left or right of straight ahead. Cutting Blades

should only be used in the straight ahead position.

CAUTION! When attaching the Cutter Blade,

orient the accessory so that the blade faces

AWAY from the handle to avoid injury.

4. Move the Release Lever back to original

position to secure accessory.

5. After securing, the accessory should not move

on the Spindle. If it can move with the power

off, reinstall it, making sure that the holes on the

accessory line up with the fitting pins on the Spindle.

Note: For sanding, first attach the Sanding Pad to the

tool, then align a sheet of Sandpaper over the pad and

press into place. Once a Sandpaper corner becomes

worn, turn it 120° or replace the sheet with a new one.

General Operation

TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY: Grip

the tool firmly in both hands.

1. Make sure that the Power Switch is in the

off-position, then plug in the tool.

2. Hold the Tool with both hands and slide the

Power Switch forward to on-position.

3. Adjust the speed with the Speed Dial.

Determine the optimum speed by testing

on a scrap piece of material.

4. Do not allow contact between accessory and

workpiece until the tool has come up to speed.

5. Avoid contact with foreign objects such as metal

screws and nails when sanding, scraping, or cutting.

6. Do not apply excessive pressure on the

Tool. Allow the Tool to do the work.

7. When finished, slide the Power Switch

to the off-position. Allow the tool to stop

completely before setting it down.

8. To prevent accidents, turn off the tool and

unplug it after use. Clean, then store the

tool indoors out of children’s reach.

Page 7For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 59510

MAINTENANCE AND SERVICING

Procedures not specifically explained

in this manual must be performed

only by a qualified technician.

TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM

ACCIDENTAL OPERATION:

Make sure that the Switch is locked and unplug

the tool from its electrical outlet is removed before

performing any procedure in this section.

TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM TOOL

FAILURE:

Do not use damaged equipment.

If abnormal noise or vibration occurs, have

the problem corrected before further use.

Cleaning, Maintenance,

and Lubrication

1. BEFORE EACH USE, inspect the general

condition of the tool. Check for:

• loose hardware

• misalignment or binding of moving parts

• damaged cord/electrical wiring,

• cracked or broken parts

• any other condition that may

affect its safe operation.

2. AFTER USE, wipe external surfaces

of the tool with clean cloth.

3. Periodically blow dust and grit out of the motor

vents using dry compressed air. Wear ANSI-

approved safety goggles and NIOSH-approved

breathing protection while doing this.

4. WARNING! TO PREVENT SERIOUS

INJURY: If the supply cord of this power

tool is damaged, it must be replaced only

by a qualified service technician.

Troubleshooting

Problem Possible Causes Likely Solutions

Tool will not start. 1. Cord not connected.

2. No power at outlet.

3. Tool’s thermal reset

breaker tripped (if equipped).

4. Internal damage or wear. (Carbon

brushes or switch, for example.)

1. Check that cord is plugged in.

2. Check power at outlet. If outlet is unpowered,

turn off tool and check circuit breaker. If breaker

is tripped, make sure circuit is right capacity

for tool and circuit has no other loads.

3. Turn off tool and allow to cool.

Press reset button on tool.

4. Have technician service tool.

Tool operates slowly. 1. Excess pressure applied to workpiece.

2. Forcing tool to work too fast.

3. Extension cord too long or cord diameter

too small.

4. Power being reduced by long or

small diameter extension cord.

1. Decrease pressure, allow tool to do the work.

2. Allow tool to work at its own rate.

3. Eliminate use of extension cord. If an extension

cord is needed, use one with the proper diameter

for its length and load. See 

in Grounding section on page <HT>.

4. Eliminate use of extension cord. If an extension

cord is needed, use one with the proper

diameter for its length and load. See 

Cords in GROUNDING section.

Performance

decreases over time.

Carbon brushes worn or damaged. Have qualified technician replace brushes.

Excessive noise

or rattling.

Internal damage or wear. (Carbon brushes or

bearings, for example.)

Have technician service tool.

Overheating. 1. Forcing tool to work too fast.

2. Blocked motor housing vents.

3. Motor being strained by long or

small diameter extension cord.

1. Allow tool to work at its own rate.

2. Wear ANSI-approved safety goggles and

NIOSH-approved dust mask/respirator while

blowing dust out of motor using compressed air.

3. Eliminate use of extension cord. If an extension

cord is needed, use one with the proper

diameter for its length and load. See 

Cords in GROUNDING section.

Follow all safety precautions whenever diagnosing or servicing

the tool. Disconnect power supply before service.

26677 Agoura Road • Calabasas, CA 91302 • 1-888-866-5797

Visit our website at: http://www.harborfreight.com

Email our technical support at: [email protected]

For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797

any artwork contained herein may be reproduced in any shape or form without the express

written consent of Harbor Freight Tools. Diagrams within this manual may not be drawn

proportionally. Due to continuing improvements, actual product may differ slightly from the

product described herein. Tools required for assembly and service may not be included.

LIMITED 90 DAY WARRANTY

Harbor Freight Tools Co. makes every effort to assure that its products meet high quality and durability

standards, and warrants to the original purchaser that this product is free from defects in materials

and workmanship for the period of 90 days from the date of purchase. This warranty does not apply to

damage due directly or indirectly, to misuse, abuse, negligence or accidents, repairs or alterations outside

our facilities, criminal activity, improper installation, normal wear and tear, or to lack of maintenance.

We shall in no event be liable for death, injuries to persons or property, or for incidental, contingent,

special or consequential damages arising from the use of our product. Some states do not allow the

exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation of exclusion

may not apply to you. THIS WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES,

EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS.

To take advantage of this warranty, the product or part must be returned to us with transportation charges

prepaid. Proof of purchase date and an explanation of the complaint must accompany the merchandise.

If our inspection verifies the defect, we will either repair or replace the product at our election or we may

elect to refund the purchase price if we cannot readily and quickly provide you with a replacement. We will

return repaired products at our expense, but if we determine there is no defect, or that the defect resulted

from causes not within the scope of our warranty, then you must bear the cost of returning the product.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

Record Product’s Serial Number Here:

Note: If product has no serial number, record month and year of purchase instead.

Note: Replacement parts are not available. Refer to UPC 193175473134.

Hercules HE41 Owner's manual

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